The endemic plant species Olympos saffron, which grows only in the Beydağları Coastal National Park in Antalya, has become the target of bio-smugglers. Prof. Dr. Gökhan Deniz from Akdeniz University (AÜ) stated that this rare plant, which attracts attention with its showy flowers, is sold to collectors abroad and warned that it should be protected.

Olympos saffron, which grows as an endemic species in the city, is targeted by bio-smugglers. Prof. Dr. Gökhan Deniz, Faculty Member of AÜ Faculty of Education and President of Antalya Orchids and Biodiversity Conservation Association (ANTOK), stated that the plant only grows in Olympos Beydağları National Park and emphasized that it should be protected. Prof. Dr. Gökhan Deniz stated that Olympos saffron is a very local species seen only in Beydağları Coastal National Park in the world. Prof. Dr. Deniz said that this endemic plant, which has a tuberous rhizome underground, blooms in autumn and fruits in spring, and said, "This plant is targeted by smugglers due to its showy flowers. Olympos saffron is uprooted from the soil by bio-smugglers and sold to collectors abroad."

Prof. Dr. Deniz stated that endemic species should be protected and said that Olympos saffron is also an important target for bio-smugglers. Deniz stated that the collection of plants that can only grow in certain sensitive ecosystems in Turkey without permission from nature is prevented by laws, and noted that studies are being carried out to prevent bio-smuggling. Prof. Dr. Deniz said, "Even if we, as nature lovers, want to grow these species in different environments, this is not possible due to ecological conditions. Olympos saffron can only survive in certain climate and topography conditions. However, this plant species has become an important target in bio-smuggling."

ONE BULB 20 POUNDS

Prof. Dr. Deniz stated that people who engage in bio-smuggling sell Olympos saffron to flower collectors abroad, and said, "We know that in the past, one tuber was sold for 20 pounds, which is approximately 900 TL. This smuggling has largely been stopped now, but the threat still continues."

Prof. Dr. Deniz stated that the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Antalya Regional Directorate of Forestry and national park authorities are carrying out studies to prevent bio-smuggling, and said, "Removing these species from nature and trading them causes great damage to the ecosystem. We all need to be conscious to protect our genetic heritage."

It was reported that the penalty for picking Olympos saffron is 557 thousand 212 TL.